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Hope Loves Company and Paint for a Cure partner to aid families affected by ALS through youth mental health support and financial relief. Through this pivotal partnership, we will be able to leverage both organizations’ resources while simultaneously removing barriers for families to access critical support.” — Jennifer Thompson, MSW, Executive Director of HLC PENNINGTON, NEW JERSEY, USA, January 12, 2024 Hope Loves Company (HLC), a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is proud to announce its exciting partnership withPaint for a Cure(PFC), an Arizona-based nonprofit organization committed to raising awareness and funds for ALS research through the power of art. Together, these two organizations aim to provide vital mental, emotional, and financial support and respite for young children, youth caregivers and families dealing with the challenges of ALS. ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a devastating neurodegenerative condition that affects thousands of individuals and their families across the United States. Facing the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of this disease can be overwhelming and affect the entire family unit. “For families managing an ALS diagnosis, time and energy can be scarce, as are resources," said Jennifer Thompson, MSW and Executive Director of Hope Loves Company. “Through this pivotal partnership, we will be able to leverage both organizations’ resources while simultaneously removing barriers for families to access critical support.” This partnership will enable families to spend more quality time together, rather than struggling to find the answers and support they need. “ALS is an incredibly difficult and expensive disease. Instead of spending time with family, those living with ALS spend countless hours learning about the disease, how to live with it, and what to anticipate next. It’s a lot for families to absorb and manage financially, added Thompson. The partnership will allow families to apply for needs-based grants through Hope Loves Company and made possible by Paint For A Cure. Fund categories will be announced in early February but will include critical need areas such as home modifications, assistive and adaptive devices, basic everyday needs as well as rental or mortgage assistance. “The financial needs of families with ALS are often hidden. ALS has a direct financial impact on the individual and households, and while some of the needs are covered by insurance, we hear time and time again that many needs, such as home modifications, supportive devices and even utility assistance are areas that our families struggle with,” Thompson said. “Our organizations share the belief that no family should have to sacrifice essential needs, and through this partnership, we aim to lessen those burdens.” “The goal of this partnership is simply to make life easier for families impacted by ALS,” says Eric Weinnbrenner, the founder of Paint for a Cure and currently battling ALS. ### Founded in 2012, Hope Loves Company (HLC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide emotional support to children and young adults who have, or have had a loved one living with ALS. Paint for a Cure (PFC) is a nonprofit organization that uses the power of art to raise funds and awareness for ALS research. They host art-related events and auctions to support the ALS community and fund research initiatives. PFC's mission is to use art as a tool for change and support families impacted by ALS. For more information about Hope Loves Company, visit their website athttps://hopelovescompany.org/. To learn more about Paint for a Cure and their initiatives, please visithttps://paintforacure.org/.

For Immediate Release Contact: Sarah Trott Director of Marketing and Fundraising sarah.trott@hopelovescompany.org 858-414-3406 Nonprofit Hope Loves Company Hosts Camp HLC California on November 17th-19th at Camp Campbell in Boulder Creek Hope Loves Company, the only nonprofit in the United States dedicated to serving children and young adult caregivers impacted by ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is preparing for Camp HLC California at Camp Campbell on November 17th-19th. HLC is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year and its incredible footprint serving children and families in the northern California community and beyond. Camp HLC is a three-day, overnight retreat for children and young adults, ages 6-21, who have or have had a loved one battling ALS. Through the generosity of our sponsors, the weekend retreat is free of charge to the ALS community in California and surrounding states. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, colloquially known for the Ice Bucket Challenge, is an extremely rare and fatal progressive neurological disease that slowly limits one’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. Life expectancy is typically 2-5 years after diagnosis and there is no cure. Camp HLC serves as a transformational opportunity for children and families to have fun, gain confidence through team building exercises, and meet peers experiencing the challenges of dealing with ALS at a young age. In addition to traditional camp activities, Camp HLC also uniquely provides young caregivers with coping mechanisms and grief support from certified specialists. This timely event coincides with November National Caregiver Awareness Month, as HLC shines a spotlight on youth caregivers and their contribution specifically related to their parent or loved one battling ALS. In many cases, children of those living with ALS serve as family caregivers to their loved ones, assisting with daily activities such as bathing, meal preparation and range of motion exercises. According to a National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP survey, there are at least 3.4 million caregivers under the age of 18 nationwide. Despite the devastating impacts of ALS, Hope Loves Company has been a steadfast source of emotional and educational support through a range of impactful initiatives, including six yearly Camp HLC retreats across the nation, college scholarships, and virtual support sessions. Click here to see past coverage from “The Today Show” on Camp HLC! To set up media interviews with and hear the stories of local Georgia families supported by HLC’s mission, contact sarah.trott@hopelovescompany.org or (858) 414-3406. To learn more about Hope Loves Company’s free programs for families affected by ALS, visit our website, call 609-730-1144, or find us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For Immediate Release Contact: Sarah Trott Director of Marketing and Fundraising sarah.trott@hopelovescompany.org 858-414-3406 Nonprofit Hope Loves Company Welcomes New Executive Director, Jennifer Thompson Hope Loves Company, the only nonprofit in the United States dedicated to serving children and young adult caregivers impacted by ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease, welcomes their new Executive Director, Jennifer Thompson to the team! Jennifer has a long history of nonprofit work and Hope Loves Company is thrilled to share her exceptional talents and experience with the HLC community to continue to serve and expand our support to children and families impacted by ALS. Jennifer is a social worker, organizer and passionate advocate for the community. A Kansas native, Jennifer holds her Bachelor of Social Work from Kansas State University and her Masters in Social Work and International Policy from Columbia University. Prior to joining HLC, Jennifer has worked in the nonprofit and public sector for more than a decade, serving in programmatic, advocacy and management roles. She began her career at the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission and served as a Senior Adviser to Mayor Michael Bloomberg on a number of citywide initiatives including homeless services, affordable housing, transportation and infrastructure. In the nonprofit sector, she developed programs funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for young breast cancer survivors at Sharsheret, and served as the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for Girl Scouts, where she led advocacy initiatives that included a collaboration with the office of the First Lady, Michelle Obama, and her initiative, Let Girls Learn. Prior to stepping into the role at HLC, Jennifer served as the Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers in New Jersey and Delaware. Jennifer resides in New Jersey with her husband, son and large bernedoodle Penelope. They are active in sports and their community, serving on committees engaged in social justice and race equity. Some fun facts about Jennifer include that she is the granddaughter of immigrants and the first person in her family to graduate college. She is an avid snowboarder and loves spending her weekends on the slopes teaching her son and his friends how to ride. Lastly, her favorite food is a bacon and pickle sandwich and it has been since she was a kid! When asked about her connection to ALS, Jennifer said, “ALS is a disease that affects the whole family. I have seen first-hand the impacts that ALS has on the children of those who have/have had ALS and their unique needs. I am thrilled to join Hope Loves Company, an organization whose mission is so vital to supporting the whole family and continue to lean into this important work. I look forward to connecting meaningfully with the families and children, shepherding the organization and building on the decade of tremendous work that has been done across the nation.” Hope Loves Company is excited to welcome Jennifer as a valued member of the team and are eager to learn from her extensive experiences in the nonprofit world. Her expertise and passion will undoubtedly make a positive impact. Here's to an exciting journey ahead! To learn more about Hope Loves Company’s free programs for families affected by ALS, visit our website, call 609-730-1144, or find us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For Immediate Release Contact: Sarah Trott Director of Marketing and Fundraising sarah.trott@hopelovescompany.org 858-414-3406 Nonprofit Hope Loves Company Celebrates the Sara E.K Cooper Scholarship Awardees Hope Loves Company, the only nonprofit in the United States dedicated to serving children and young adult caregivers impacted by ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease is thrilled to announce the 2023 Sara E.K Cooper Scholarship recipients! This annual scholarship was open to students whose lives have been personally affected by ALS and have demonstrated strength of character. HLC awarded five winners $1,000 each to honor their personal and academic achievements in spite of facing adversity and challenges due to ALS. The scholarship is in honor of Sara Cooper who passed away from ALS in 2021 and is remembered as an entrepreneur, chef, marketing professional, and realtor. Cooper was the President of Cooper Creative Group, and a member of Christine's Hope for Kids, and Hope Loves Company Board of Directors. Sara loved animals, the color pink and her nephews Keel and Henry. Keel Cooper, age 12, passed away unexpectedly on June 21, 2020 - exactly one year before Sara lost her battle with ALS. This unique scholarship has been established in memory of both Sara and Keel. Both were deeply committed to animals and causes which encourage respect and inclusion while making the world a better place. Their compassion, empathy, and determination to make everyone feel appreciated and special was paramount. With this scholarship, their lives will continue to bring kindness and comfort to children who love or have lost someone to ALS. The first awardee of the Sara E.K Cooper Scholarship is Talia Bartley, age 18. She attends New York University, Class of 2027. Her connection to ALS is with her father who died of ALS in April 2023. “I am immensely grateful for this scholarship as it will allow me to pursue a higher education as a film and television major while alleviating the financial burden of college tuition. Thank you again for awarding me with this scholarship. It really provided some light after dealing with such a hard loss,” Bartley said. The second awardee is Meredith Brooks, age 22. Meredith attends Old Dominion University, graduating May 2024. Meredith's connection to ALS is her mother, Julie Brooks, who has ALS. “I am thrilled and honored. Scholarships are incredible because they allow me to continue my education, and do what I love to do: be a student. But this being an ALS Scholarship means the world to me because it's not often caregivers and families of people with ALS are seen and recognized. Thank you for this generous gift,” Brooks said. The third awardee is Katherine Larsen, age 20. Katherine attends Northeastern University as a junior. Katherines connection to ALS is with her mom, who was diagnosed with ALS on April 20, 2023. “My mom's ALS diagnosis has had a major financial impact on my family, and left us scrambling to pay for her medical needs while keeping me in school. This scholarship is going to help me pursue my own dreams of helping people by designing medical devices, while taking a chunk of the, already enormous, burden off my parents.Thank you again for everything you do for this community, this is going to make a big difference for my family,” Larsen said. The fourth awardee is Trey Freeman, age 19. Trey attends California University of PA. Trey's connection to ALS is with his grandfather. “Thank you so very much - I am so honored to accept this award! This scholarship is a HUGE blessing to me and my mother. In grieving the death of my grandfather, I realized the importance of being there for my sister and mother. I started putting all my energy from my past struggles in my sports and found great success. I was recruited to California University of PA to play D2 football. My mom has struggled financially in paying the tuition as a single mom and this will very much help take some of the financial burden from her,” Freeman said. The fifth awardee is Claire Gamble, age 19. Claire attends Taylor University. Claire’s connection to ALS is with her father, Richard Gamble. “I am connected to ALS through my dad who passed away in July, 2020. It will be a tremendous help to my family and my education at Taylor University. ALS is a terrible disease and I am blessed to have a family to help me, plus scholarships like this,” Gamble said. This year's 2023 scholarship application window opened on Monday, April 17th and closed on Tuesday, July 4th. Stay tuned for more information on 2024 application opportunities. To learn more about Hope Loves Company’s free programs for families affected by ALS, visit our website, call 609-730-1144, or find us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For Immediate Release Contact: Sarah Trott Director of Marketing and Fundraising sarah.trott@hopelovescompany.org 858-414-3406 Nonprofit Hope Loves Company Hosts Camp HLC Georgia on October 13th- 15th at Camp Twin Lakes, Will-A-Way Hope Loves Company, the only nonprofit in the United States dedicated to serving children and young adult caregivers impacted by ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is preparing for Camp HLC Georgia for the third year at Camp Twin Lakes on October 13th- 15th. Hope Loves Company is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year and its incredible footprint serving children and families in the community. Camp HLC Georgia is a three-day, overnight retreat for children and young adults, ages 6-21, who have or have had a loved one battling ALS. Through the generosity of our sponsors, the weekend retreat is free of charge to the ALS community in Georgia and surrounding states. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, colloquially known for the Ice Bucket Challenge, is an extremely rare and fatal progressive neurological disease that slowly limits one’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. Life expectancy is typically 2-5 years after diagnosis and there is no cure. Camp HLC serves as a transformational opportunity for children and families to have fun, gain confidence through team building exercises, and meet peers experiencing the challenges of dealing with ALS at a young age. In addition to traditional camp activities like hikes, games, zip lining, rock climbing, boating, fishing, a ropes course, archery, yoga, arts and crafts, Camp HLC also uniquely provides young caregivers with coping mechanisms and grief support from certified specialists to help them throughout this difficult journey. According to a National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP survey, there are at least 3.4 million caregivers under the age of 18 nationwide. This timely event coincides with National Depression Education and Awareness Month, as HLC shines a spotlight on youth experiencing trauma, grief, and depression specifically related to a parent or loved one battling ALS. In many cases, children of those living with ALS serve as family caregivers to their loved ones, assisting with daily activities such as bathing, meal preparation and range of motion exercises. Despite the devastating impacts of ALS, Hope Loves Company has been a steadfast source of emotional and educational support through a range of impactful initiatives, including six yearly Camp HLC retreats across the nation, college scholarships, and virtual support sessions. Click here to see past coverage from “The Today Show” on Camp HLC! To set up media interviews with and hear the stories of local Georgia families supported by HLC’s mission, contact sarah.trott@hopelovescompany.org or (858) 414-3406. To learn more about Hope Loves Company’s free programs for families affected by ALS, visit our website, call 609-730-1144, or find us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Hope Loves Company supports children and young adults who have family members affected by ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) August 23, 2023 – The nonprofit, Shady Strong, is raising awareness for ALS through a Barbeque Competition and Music Festival on Saturday, August 26th. They are donating a portion of the proceeds from the event to the nonprofit Hope Loves Company. The BBQ Competition is happening at Rawley Park: 13334 Rt 38, Richford NY, 13835 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The media is invited. Hope Loves Company (HLC) is the only nonprofit in the country with the goal of providing both emotional and educational support to children and young adult caregivers who have or had a loved one battling ALS. The proceeds from the BBQ fundraiser will help support Hope Loves Company’s premier program, Camp HLC in Massachusetts in 2024. Shady Strong began in 2019 and has raised thousands of dollars to advocate, fund research, and support ALS families. This year's event will feature BBQ teams from around New York and Pennsylvania competing for the title of best backyard BBQ as well as a full day of live music, raffles, food vendors, a silent auction, and of course, raising awareness and funds for families and veterans with ALS. To learn more about Hope Loves Company's free programs for families affected by ALS, visit www.hopelovescompany.org, call 609-730-1144, or find us on social media. Facebook and Instagram: @hopelovescompany, Twitter: @hopelovesco. Who: Nonprofit Shady Strong supports Nonprofit Hope Loves Company What: Barbeque Competition and Music Festival for ALS Awareness Where and When: Rawley Park: 13334 Rt 38, Richford, NY 13835, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Contact: Brenna Mays brenna.mays@hopelovescompany.org 630-841-0897

Nonprofit supports children and young adults who have family members affected by ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) with free camp August 9, 2023 – Hope Loves Company (HLC), the only nonprofit in the country with the goal of providing both emotional and educational support to children and young adult caregivers who have or had a loved one battling ALS, is hosting a free camp. The media is invited. The camp in Massachusetts is happening this Friday, August 11th through Sunday, August 13th at Camp Emerson: 212 Longview Avenue, Hinsdale, MA 01235. Activities will happen between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Friday, from 9:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Hope Loves Company is also celebrating its 10 year anniversary! Camp HLC offers so many fun experiences. New this year, HLC will be hosting a 10 year anniversary Stepping with Hope Walk. There will also be lake activities, a pool party, a slip n’ slide, archery, fishing, group therapy sessions, goal setting, art and music, a duct tape fashion show, a parent social, and campfire with s’mores! Even more important, children attending will all have something in common and can build new friendships and feel less alone in their challenges. HLC founder Jodi O’Donnell-Ames, HLC president Gary Bachrach, and their team have hosted 50 Camp HLCs across the nation since 2012. Thank you to our camp sponsors: The Susie Foundation, The ALS Association, the Live Like Lou Foundation, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, Amylyx, and The ALS Association Connecticut Chapter. To learn more about Hope Loves Company’s other free programs for families affected by ALS, visit www.hopelovescompany.org, call 609-730-1144, or find us on social media. Facebook and Instagram: @hopelovescompany, Twitter: @hopelovesco. Who: Nonprofit Hope Loves Company to host children affected by ALS What: Free camp Where and When: Camp Emerson in Hinsdale, Massachusetts, August 11-13, 2023 Contact: Michella Larch michella.larch@hopelovescompany.org 640-203-1322

RAPID RIVER, Mich. (WLUC) - Dan Baier currently lives in Washington State, but early Monday morning, he took off from his home state of Wisconsin on his bike for a journey by pedal through Michigan. Baier is taking the ride to raise awareness about a nonprofit called Hope Loves Company (HLC). He said the organization supported his nephews after his sister-in-law was diagnosed with ALS last year. Watch the entire story on TV6

Dan Baier's goal is to help raise money for Hope Loves Company's FREE programs for kids who have loved ones with ALS. July 19, 2023 – Washington man Dan Baier will ride 450 plus miles from his childhood home state of Wisconsin, through the upper peninsula of Michigan to his nephews’ home of Grand Rapids, Michigan from Monday, July 24th to Friday, July 28th. The media is invited to cover. Baier is biking in honor of his sister-in-law Sally who was diagnosed with ALS in November of 2022, and her children, John and Liam. Baier’s hope is to raise awareness, support, and money through his ride for Hope Loves Company (HLC), the only nonprofit in the country with the goal of providing both emotional and educational support to children and young adult caregivers who have or had a loved one battling ALS. Baier is a speech language pathologist who works in early intervention. He has coached many different sports, and is currently coaching middle school mountain biking. “I believe children need a community of positive adult relationships to provide examples, models and compassion. I am very aware of the positive impact a community has when supporting children and their families. My nephews are young, too young to fully comprehend or navigate the impact ALS will have in the years to follow. They will need a family and a strong community. For my nephews, and because supporting children has always had a place in my life I felt I needed to do something,” said Baier. Baier’s sister-in-law Sally mentioned Hope Loves Company and the care package that her boys received.“I found the website and the mission statement. Hope Loves Company has a community of support for children of families impacted by ALS and this was a community I would like to be part of,” said Baier. To learn more about Dan Baier’s bike ride and to donate, click here. You can view his bike route here. Start: Amberg Historical Museum, Amberg, WI Finish: Riverside Park Playground, Grand Rapids, MI When: Monday, July 24th to Friday, July 28th; Ride begins at 6 AM CT Contact: Michella Larch michella.larch@hopelovescompany.org 640-203-1322

Nonprofit supports children and young adults who have family members affected by ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) with free camp June 15, 2023 – Hope Loves Company (HLC), the only nonprofit in the country with the goal of providing both emotional and educational support to children and young adult caregivers who have or had a loved one battling ALS, is hosting a free camp. The media is invited. The HLC programming for the camp in Indiana is happening Tuesday, June 20 through Thursday, June 22 at Flat Rock River YMCA Camp: 6981 W Co Road 650 N, St Paul, IN 47272. Activities will happen between 1:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. each day. Hope Loves Company is also celebrating its 10 year anniversary! Camp HLC offers so many fun experiences. New this year, HLC will be hosting a 10 year anniversary Stepping with Hope Walk. There will also be team building activities, art, music, a variety show, journaling, yoga, and many outdoor activities! Even more important, children attending will all have something in common and can build new friendships and feel less alone in their challenges. HLC founder Jodi O’Donnell-Ames, HLC president Gary Bachrach, and their team have hosted 49 Camp HLCs across the nation since 2012. Thank you to our camp sponsors: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, the ALS Association, the Live Like Lou Foundation, and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. To learn more about Hope Loves Company’s other free programs for families affected by ALS, visit www.hopelovescompany.org, call 609-730-1144, or find us on social media. Facebook and Instagram: @hopelovescompany, Twitter: @hopelovesco. Who: Nonprofit Hope Loves Company to host children affected by ALS What: Free camp, which includes team building activities, art, music, a variety show, journaling, yoga, and many outdoor activities Where and When: Flat Rock River YMCA Camp in St Paul, IN, HLC programming happening June 20-22, 2023 Contact: Michella Larch michella.larch@hopelovescompany.org 640-203-1322

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Four people took on a challenge of riding nearly 400 miles on bikes to raise money for The Hope Loves Company, a nonprofit that supports children and young adults who have family affected by ALS Watch the entire story on WHSV Harrisonburg

The impact of ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal disease, can be great not only for the person diagnosed, but for his or her family — especially children. For 10 years, Camp HLC has provided not just weekends full of fun and games, but shared moments and experiences for the youth, whose families have been impacted by ALS. In the midst of ALS Awareness Month, Hope Loves Company completed its New Jersey leg of Camp HLC from May 19-21 at Camp Fairview Lake YMCA in Newton. Read the entire story at CentralJersey.com